You're standing on the Portland waterfront, looking out at the Atlantic, and you're thinking about Canada. Specifically, you're thinking about the Nova Scotia ferry from Portland Maine. It makes sense. Historically, this was the way to do it. You’d board the Scotia Prince or the Nova Star, grab a drink, and wake up in Yarmouth.
But here is the thing: if you show up at the Ocean Gateway terminal in Portland today expecting to drive your SUV onto a boat for Nova Scotia, you’re going to be disappointed. Very disappointed.
Actually, you’ll be in the wrong city.
The Reality of the Nova Scotia Ferry From Portland Maine Today
Let’s get the elephant out of the room. There is currently no direct ferry service running from Portland, Maine, to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.
The route basically vanished a few years back. The "CAT" ferry—that sleek, high-speed catamaran everyone associates with this trip—officially moved its U.S. homeport to Bar Harbor.
If you're looking for the Nova Scotia ferry from Portland Maine in 2026, you actually need to drive about three hours northeast to 121 Eden Street in Bar Harbor. That is where the action is. Bay Ferries Limited, the company that runs the show, hasn't operated out of Portland since the end of the 2018 season.
It’s a bit of a bummer for Portland locals, sure. But honestly? The crossing from Bar Harbor is significantly shorter. You’re looking at about 3.5 hours on the water now, compared to the grueling 5.5 or 6 hours it used to take from Portland. You save time on the ocean, even if you spend a bit more time on I-95.
Why Everyone Still Searches for Portland
Habit is a powerful thing. For decades, Portland was the gateway. People remember the "cruise-ferry" vibes of the old ships.
The Scotia Prince was basically a floating casino and hotel that ran until 2004. Then there was the Nova Star, which was beautiful but, frankly, a financial disaster that didn't last long.
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When the CAT returned, it tried Portland for a bit, but the city and the ferry company couldn't make the terminal situation work long-term. There was mold in the old terminal, then lease disputes, then... well, Bar Harbor just became the more stable option.
The Bar Harbor Pivot
So, you’ve accepted that you’re driving to Bar Harbor. What’s the deal with the ship?
The CAT is a high-speed catamaran. It doesn't crawl; it flies. Because it’s a jet-propulsion vessel, it’s sensitive to heavy seas, but on a clear summer day, it’s easily the coolest way to cross the border.
- 2026 Season: It typically runs from mid-May through mid-October.
- The Schedule: Usually, it leaves Bar Harbor in the mid-afternoon (around 3:00 PM) and arrives in Yarmouth by early evening.
- The Return: The boat leaves Yarmouth in the morning (around 9:30 AM) to get back to Maine for the afternoon run.
What Does it Cost in 2026?
Travel isn't getting cheaper. If you’re planning this, you need to budget for the "Two-Nation Vacation" tax.
For the 2026 season, a one-way adult fare during the peak summer months (June to September) is roughly $121 USD. If you’re a senior, you get a slight break at $116.
But the real cost is the vehicle.
Plunking a standard car or SUV (up to 20 feet) onto the deck will run you about $209 USD one-way in the summer. If you’re towing a camper or have a massive roof rack that puts you over 7 feet tall, expect that price to jump to nearly $290.
Basically, a family of four with a car is looking at a $600+ bill just to get across. Is it worth it? If you value your sanity and want to avoid the 12-hour drive around through New Brunswick, absolutely.
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Life Onboard: It’s Not Just a Commute
The CAT isn't a cruise ship, but it’s not a city bus either.
They’ve got a spot called Sip@Sea where you can grab a coffee, and the Forchu Lounge usually serves up some decent local craft beers and Nova Scotian wines. It’s actually pretty "lifestyle" oriented. You can sit in the movie lounge, let the kids burn off energy in the play area, or just stare at the horizon and hope for a whale sighting.
Whale sightings are common, by the way. You’re crossing the mouth of the Bay of Fundy. It’s a biological hotspot.
The Border Factor
Since you’re technically leaving the U.S. and entering Canada, the "ferry terminal" is actually an international border crossing.
You need your passport. No exceptions.
The check-in process is pretty strict. You need to be at the terminal at least 90 minutes before departure. If you roll up 20 minutes before the ramp closes, they’ll probably wave you goodbye from the dock. Customs happens in Yarmouth when you arrive, and it’s usually pretty quick, but don't try to bring a trunk full of firewood or unlicensed firearms. Canada doesn't play around with that.
Is the Drive to Bar Harbor Better?
A lot of people complain about losing the Nova Scotia ferry from Portland Maine because Portland is so easy to get to from Boston or New York.
However, Bar Harbor is... Bar Harbor. It’s right next to Acadia National Park.
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A lot of smart travelers are now turning the ferry trip into a multi-day event. Spend two nights in Bar Harbor, hike Cadillac Mountain, eat your body weight in lobster rolls, and then hop the ferry to Yarmouth.
Once you land in Yarmouth, you’re on the South Shore of Nova Scotia. You’re a short drive from the historic town of Shelburne or the iconic lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove.
Common Misconceptions to Ignore
You’ll see a lot of outdated blogs or old travel forums talking about the ferry leaving from "The Maine State Pier" or "Ocean Gateway" in Portland.
Ignore them.
Also, don't confuse the CAT with the Fundy Rose. The Fundy Rose is a different ferry entirely that runs between Saint John, New Brunswick, and Digby, Nova Scotia. That’s a great backup if the CAT is booked up, but it requires driving much further north into Canada first.
Actionable Steps for Your 2026 Trip
If you're serious about taking the boat this year, here is your checklist:
- Book Way Ahead: The CAT has a limited capacity for vehicles. Summer weekends sell out months in advance.
- Verify Your Specs: Measure your vehicle. If you have a bike rack on the back, you might be over the 20-foot limit, and they will charge you the "extra length" fee.
- Check the Weather: If there’s a gale warning, the CAT stays in port. High-speed catamarans don't like 10-foot swells. Have a "Plan B" drive route ready just in case.
- Download the ArriveCAN App: While the strict COVID-era requirements have relaxed, Canada still uses digital tools for customs declarations that can speed up your entry.
- Currency Check: While the ferry takes US cards, once you land in Yarmouth, you’re in the land of the Loonie. Most places take cards, but having some Canadian cash for small shops in rural Nova Scotia is just smart.
Skip the Portland docks and head straight for Bar Harbor. The CAT is waiting.